Update # 3 - 1000 kms completed - Experiences & Learnings
So finally the 1K mark crossed
The journey only gets better. As I look back from since it started around 4 months back till now, the progression from a 350cc Bullet to an almost litre class bike surely had some learnings for me. Not to forget the fact that getting back to riding after a gap of many years came with its own set of apprehensions.
For many like me who might be on the threshold of taking the plunge into upgrading into the litre class (may be also after a gap of few years) sharing my experiences & learnings
Mixed bag of emotions absolutely! It's like taking a stunner of a new girlfriend around the campus beaming with pride, but also worried whether you will measure upto her, then there is this fact that you like the attention she is getting from people around but you also worried that no one comes too close or becomes too curious. Damn it just plays on your mind when you have to park her and leave it beyond your line of sight. The heart fluttering till you return & find everything is still fine with the world.
As the time flows you ease into the whole experience & then start enjoying it smoothening the initial ruffles & butterflies in the stomach
As it happened with me, the riding experience in the initial 100 kms was completely jittery. Coming from 350 cc to 900 cc I had this whole 'extra power / torque' thing at the back of my mind and I was over mindful of going easy on the throttle, especially in stop/go situations like traffic. This resulted in an unsteady front end of the bike and the handle wobbling as my feet were paddling trying to maintain balance at very low speeds.
With time, started exploring and found the sweet spot which allowed the bike to be handled smoothly and start / go scenarios became smoother
Investing in the safety accessories was a prudent decision as I did drop my bike ! That too was in a stop / go scenario with my wife as a pillion. The Engine guard gently bore the brunt and no damage done to the bike (Yes the wife too was unscathed)
So yes, as budgets do get stretched most of the times, give priority to the safety accessories.
- Get to understand the braking behaviour
Coming from the normal 'drum' brakes to a Disk brake with ABS set up I was always getting a feeling of 'Underbraking' from the rear brakes. My old habit of rarely touching the front brakes needed to be 'un learnt'
Inputs from the always resourceful Mr. Kamath at Triumph service made me understand that the braking is configured at around 60% rear & 40 % front. So in order to have effective braking you have to engage the front brakes too. The most effective way is the 'Two finger' operation of the front brake lever. This gives you the optimal engagement with gentle pressure on the lever from just the 2 fingers. This for me has been the single most differentiating factor to enjoy the bike & inspire confidence in my riding there after
Initially the gear shifts will feel 'chunky' and if you like me, it will be irritating. Explore the various modes that give you data on the display & try to see what rpm range gives you the smoothest shift. Trust me once your mind recognises the zone the shifting then just becomes intuitive. Also observed the smoothness after the 300 km oil / lube change.
The stock seats are neither too soft nor too hard. In terms of riding comfort have experienced that the bum starts to feel the fatigue at around 2 hours of continuous riding. Also that limit also makes for a good time to take a break in a ride.
The stock suspension is slightly on the softer side (especially if with pillion)
The prescribed air pressure as per Triumph (2.2 bar/32 psi front & 2.5 bar/36 psi) was absolutely very soft. After experimenting have settled for 34 front / 40 rear
The Stock tyres have been pretty much bang on. As per Triumph the 'Medium Soft' compound has a road bias & should perform for 12 to 15k kms.
The 2 active riding modes (Rain / Road) were very useful. As such it was the rainy season. But the Rain mode can also be suggested to be useful if its a new bike you are moving too.
I had gone in for a 'Handle bar riser' which allowed for a better reach for me & eliminated the slight 'lean' that I sensed during my test ride. I am 5'9" and the new settings have been absolutely spot on with no shoulder fatigue even on longer rides & also allowing easy control on the handle in city traffic.
Last but not the least in terms of the comfort is the heat signature from the engine! I know i had especially mentioned it in the initial sections of the review. But it just grows on you & one does not really get bothered with it as you ride. Though riding in shorts is completely out of question.
In the 1000 kms done till now, did not really have any issues till date. In the first week had an Engine alert light, turned out to be a faulty 'Oxygen' sensor. 15 minutes at the work shop & it was re configured.
The Number plate mounting is done over the headlight and the more I look at the bike from front the more I want to shift it under the head light.
As with most bikers, the stock headlights seem to be underpowered. Have not had any night runs on the highway as yet though.
- Performance of accessories
Let me address the biggest elephant in the room : Ceramic coating : Ok nothing will be a fool proof solution from scratches or micro scratches visually speaking at least. Yes it does offer a level of paint protection cause the scratch seems to be in the 'coating layer' & not on the body paint of the bike.
Another thing, had it been a Glossy paint on the bike the scratch could be 'buffed' but on a Matte finish that's a complete no no as it would result in a glossy spot.
The 'Leather grips' have been the most aesthetically pleasing & functional, not to forget adds to the 'classic' looks
The Leather saddle bags are proving to be a work horse, useful to carry the bike cover & any other things you may want to put in it. The straps are strong & carry the load well.
The mini DIN to USB converter used with the auxiliary power socket is useful for charging the mobile on the go.
Finally received the "Certificate of Authenticity" for the Limited edition bike. Would have loved if they could have mentioned the 'xxxxx/1000' number of the 1000 bikes that they have globally produced.
Couple of Interaction & coffee sessions with seasoned riders were arranged by the dealership (Shaman Motors) but I could not make it. to either
Over the past couple of weeks 2 weekend rides were arranged. Was able to enjoy the ride to Igatpuri / Vaitarna lake (280 kms total) last weekend. Overall a nice experience.
As always, any queries are most welcome! Till next time Ride Safe